THOMASVILLE, N.C. — As if you needed more evidence of rapid globalization.

Next week, one of America’s most prominent LTL carriers, Old Dominion Freight Line, will launch a new "less-than-container load" (LCL) shipping arrangement, in cooperation with Hanjin Logistics.

The idea is to move stuff from where it’s made — China — to where it’s purchased in America quicker, more cheaply, and more transparently than ever. According to a statement from Old Dominion, the new service, which they’re calling “Pacific Promise” will also come with a money-back guarantee.

Says Old Dominion’s Vice President Greg Plemmons: “Pacific Promise is about velocity and predictability for our customers who are sourcing products in China. They will be able to remove days and dollars from their supply chain while placing their products on U.S. shelves sooner.”

Pacific Promise will provide standard guaranteed transit times and simplified rates from three origin ports in China to virtually the entire United States.

Customers can check rates, book and track online at both Old Dominion’s and Hanjin Logistics’ Web sites. “We were careful to create a rating and booking process that is very simple for the customer to use,” offered Plemmons.

The premium service will cost slightly more than the traditional complete container service but about 75 percent less than air freight.

"Beginning April 1, the service will be offered from the Chinese ports of Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong to the U.S ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, but we will look for opportunities to expand in the near term," said Plemmons.